November 16, 2025: A Pivotal Day For Sabah

5 November 2025

In just 12 days, on November 16, 2025, the federal government must make a crucial decision that could profoundly influence Sabah’s future—the choice to either appeal or forego appealing the High Court’s recent ruling on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement. This decision carries significant political implications, especially as Sabah approaches its upcoming state elections.

The stakes are high. For political parties based in Malaya, this moment offers a critical opportunity to demonstrate their sincerity and commitment to honoring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The outcome will shape public perception regarding their willingness to uphold the promises and rights embedded in the agreement—rights central to Sabah’s calls for greater autonomy and equitable revenue sharing.

This decision could also trigger substantial political fallout within Sabah. A prominent figure involved is the President of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) . The UPKO Congress has resolved that if the federal government chooses to appeal the court’s ruling, its leader will resign from the Cabinet to distance himself from the controversy. Such a move could lead to UPKO’s potential exit from Pakatan Harapan (PH), further intensifying ongoing political tensions in the state.

This period of uncertainty unfolds amid a highly fluid political climate, with potential shifts and realignments ahead. As the electoral campaign heats up before the November 29, 2025, elections, the pressing question remains: will political parties prioritize a genuine commitment to honoring the Malaysia Agreement, or will political calculations take precedence over principle?

The Gabungan Rakyat SABAH (GRS) caretaker government, which has cooperated fully with the Sabah Law Society in the judicial review, hopes that the federal government will respect the High Court’s decision and the spirit of MA63 by refraining from appealing the ruling.

The decisions made in these critical weeks will not only shape Sabah’s political landscape but also serve as a measure of the federal government’s integrity and its willingness to honor vital agreements for Sabah’s prosperity. The upcoming days will be decisive, setting the course for Sabah’s next chapter.

Datuk James Ligunjang JP

Former State Assemblyman

October 4, 2025